Exploring the Role of Skeletal Muscle in Insulin Resistance: Lessons from Cultured Cells to Animal Models |
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| Authors: | Alessandra Feraco Stefania Gorini Andrea Armani Elisabetta Camajani Manfredi Rizzo Massimiliano Caprio |
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| Affiliation: | 1.Laboratory of Cardiovascular Endocrinology, IRCCS San Raffaele Roma, 00166 Rome, Italy; (A.F.); (S.G.); (A.A.);2.Department of Human Sciences and Promotion of the Quality of Life, San Raffaele Roma Open University, 00166 Rome, Italy;3.PhD Programme in Endocrinological Sciences, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “La Sapienza”, 00161 Rome, Italy;4.Promise Department, School of Medicine, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; |
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| Abstract: | Skeletal muscle is essential to maintain vital functions such as movement, breathing, and thermogenesis, and it is now recognized as an endocrine organ. Muscles release factors named myokines, which can regulate several physiological processes. Moreover, skeletal muscle is particularly important in maintaining body homeostasis, since it is responsible for more than 75% of all insulin-mediated glucose disposal. Alterations of skeletal muscle differentiation and function, with subsequent dysfunctional expression and secretion of myokines, play a key role in the pathogenesis of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other metabolic diseases, finally leading to cardiometabolic complications. Hence, a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms regulating skeletal muscle function related to energy metabolism is critical for novel strategies to treat and prevent insulin resistance and its cardiometabolic complications. This review will be focused on both cellular and animal models currently available for exploring skeletal muscle metabolism and endocrine function. |
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| Keywords: | myofibers adipose tissue glucose metabolism free fatty acids glycemia |
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